Spring Skin Savers - Central Coast Parent Spring 2010

Spring Skin Savers

Contributing master stylist Inga Tritt offers all-natural tips and tricks for pampering your family’s skin & hair

We love springtime in California! The abundance of outdoor activities keeps everyone happy. My family enjoys it all, from the beach to hiking and even the snow. Here are our favorite springtime hair and skincare tips.

Hydrated Skin... Healthy skin starts with drinking plenty of water and eating juicy fruits like watermelon, mango and papaya. For easy-to-reach H2O, keep the refrigerator stocked with clean, glass juice bottles filled with purified water. By filling up at home, we save money, time and don’t add to landfills. Another bonus: Using glass or canteens means healthy, phthalate-free water.

Sunburn Prevention... Sunscreen can help save skin from premature aging, skin cancer and hyperpigmentation. We use a daily moisturizer with zinc oxide to soothe irritation, moisturize and leave our skin soft and smooth. Zinc naturally helps block the sun’s damaging rays and is free of titanium dioxide (no nanoparticles, which allow products to be absorbed into the skin more easily). We reapply often when outdoors or swimming to avoid sunburns and stay out of direct sun from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunburn and Rash Soothers... A peppermint bath with powdered oatmeal can soothe and cool inflamed skin. For burned noses and cheeks, make an oatmeal paste with just a touch of peppermint oil for a cooling facial mask. Some studies suggest the use of anti-inflammatories can reduce swelling and leads to quicker recovery time.

Healthy Hair and Skin Moisturizers

Avocado-Banana Hydra Mask... Mix ½ ripe avocado, ½ ripe banana, 2 tablespoons plain, whole yogurt. Apply to face and rinse after 15 minutes.

Green Tea Skin Spritz... Keep skin cool and hydrated with a Green Tea Spritz. Steep three bags of green tea in 8 ounces of water. Let cool and refrigerate in spray bottle. Spritz often to keep skin cool and refreshed.

Hydra Hair Mask... Use a conditioner on clean, damp hair and cover up with a hat. Leave in all day, then rinse. Hair will feel healthy, soft and luxurious!

Muscle Strain Relief... My favorite topical pain relieving treatment is a simple mix of arnica, menthol and camphor oils. Always do a patch test on pulse points for sensitive skin types. This combo works immediately to soothe and relieve muscle strains. Add an old-fashioned Epsom salt bath with a dash of menthol oil to refresh and calm. These natural, cost-effective remedies always help us stay cool and calm, which makes for very good days.